Iraqi delegates have praised the efforts of British medics at the Baby Lifeline conference.

Among those attending a hectic schedule of clinical lectures, discussions and practical workshops were Professor Abdul Lal-Dabbajh, a surgical consultant, and his wife Professor Layla Amir, a senior consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, from Babylon University, in Iraq.

It is the first time during their professional careers they have been able to leave Iraq to access training.

Prof Lal-Dabbajh said: "It's much better than years ago for attending a conference and sharing medical meetings abroad, because it was very difficult to leave Iraq under Saddam.

"The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists invited my wife to this event and I wanted to attend as well.

"It was a little stressful coming through Basra into Kuwait, driving around 700km ( 318 miles) with a lot of army obstacles, but we're here and we're enjoying it."

Prof Amir added: "The lectures have been very well prepared and very informative, because it covers issues that are relevant not only for nurses and junior doctors but also consultant specialists and midwives.

"The practical session have been the best, because we've been shown how to cope with resuscitation, suturing problems and obstructed births.

"We will be taking all this back with us to our practices and the university to teach our colleagues and students.

"I hope this isn't a singular event, I hope this becomes more regular for the people here."

On one of the conference feedback forms, an Iraqi consultant obstetrician described her life under Saddam's rule as like living in a cage.

She wrote: "It is my wish to encourage a young generation of doctors and nurses to communicate with the outside world and to equip themselves with more knowledge.

"These young doctors and nurses have been born and have lived in a cage in Iraq.

"We need to open the door of that cage to enjoy trying to see the rest of the world."

* For more information or to make a donation to Baby Lifeline, call 02476 422135 or log on to www.babylifeline.org.uk